In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration
The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.
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Trump leaves White House en route to Capitol
President Trump left the White House just after 8:30 to make his way to the Capitol, departing hand in hand with first lady Melania Trump. Trump raised his fist as he headed toward his motorcade, and a wave as it pulled away.
Nancy Pelosi to attend speech: Source
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi will attend the State of the Union address, a source familiar with her plans told ABC News.
The source said Pelosi is attending to show solidarity and support for the Jeffrey Epstein survivors in the gallery.
Pelosi, who will be attending her final State of the Union as a Congress member, is wearing a "Stand with Survivors, Release the Files" pin that other Democrats are wearing as well, according to the source.
-ABC News' Lauren Peller
Democrats' counterprogramming begins
Sen. Chris Murphy and others are now speaking at "The People's State of the Union" event on the National Mall. The program is sponsored by the prominent progressive group MoveOn.
At the National Press Club, a "State of the Swamp" event by Defiance.org is underway that will feature a handful of celebrities appearing either by video or in person.
Notable guests: Artemis II crew, Rev. Jesse Jackson's family
As attendees begin to gather in the U.S. Capitol, here are some more notable guests.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is bringing Hanan Lischinsky, the brother of slain Israeli Embassy staffer Yaron Lischinsky, to attend the speech.
House Republicans have also invited NASA's Artemis II crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.
House Democrats have invited several Jeffrey Epstein survivors, including Haley Robson, Annie Farmer and Marina Lacerda. Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, will also be in the House chamber.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also invited the family of late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died last week.
ABC News' John Parkinson